Ty Ford Posted December 21, 2018 Report Share Posted December 21, 2018 I've been thinking about this recently and......I think if we continue to hold onto this thought that "sound gets no respect" that it will only continue the problem. I have a soundie friend. We were talking about a local producer. He had NOTHING good to say about him, especially how he acts with him, e.g. - No Respect. I've worked for this producer and have never had a problem. So, the question is, WTF? Is it something I do or don't do? Is it something my soundie friend does or doesn't do? I don't know, but I'd like to open this up and see if we can come up with answers. It's probably two-sided. Something we're doing or saying, they way we react, and also something they are doing and saying to which those of us who perceive this problem respond. Can others chime in here? What are your experiences? What do you do if you find yourself in a bad situation with a producer, lighting person or whatever? I've done local, mostly small budget work, spots, non-broadcast and small budget narratives. No major union work. I am hired by people I know and by people I don't know. I'm not sure that has anything to do with it. Procedurally, I let the producer tell me what he/she is going after and how they would like me to proceed. If I hear something in a take that's a problem, how do I relate it to the producer? Do I say something to them, is it a look or maybe just a head shake from me that says, "no?" If it's questionable, and I'm the only one hearing the sound, I'll ask the producer to listen to the take. This gets me out trouble if someone later has a problem with the sound. If the producer says, "no, that's ok. I don't want to hear the take." I tell them that they really need to because I don't want to run into problems later. Again, most of my work is non-union so after I get set, I'll ask if anyone else needs help. Typically they don't, sometimes they do, but just asking sends a message of willingness and teamwork. Is this a problem for everyone? What do you think we can do to solve this problem? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikewest Posted December 23, 2018 Report Share Posted December 23, 2018 Well Ty times have changed and I see less experienced people on the production end of things. The digital devolution means that every man and his dog can own a camera and point it. Sound needs more consideration and skill to achieve results even for the smallest production hence us sound guys and gals have to speak up, ask questions and suggest solutions to the situations we find ourselves in. So be brave, take pride in your results and feel proud of your acheivements. mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Immoral Mr Teas Posted December 24, 2018 Report Share Posted December 24, 2018 Ty - it's Christmas! Why the pessimistic subject?? Myself: soundie, engineer, editor, technician .... above all - always for now virtually thirty years - "filmmaker" Happy Christmas to everyone - but to Mike as a fond and proud extra - MERRY CHRISTMAS MR WESTGATE ! Bless this forum! Jez x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikewest Posted December 24, 2018 Report Share Posted December 24, 2018 Hi Ty and Jez I've been in this business 53 years and enjoy and strive to present my best attitude and results. It's still hard but I love it! Have a great break and fondest for 2019 mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stillweii Posted December 24, 2018 Report Share Posted December 24, 2018 There is no way to ask for respect, only ways to act in which to earn it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
resonate Posted December 26, 2018 Report Share Posted December 26, 2018 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Rose Posted December 27, 2018 Report Share Posted December 27, 2018 i used to give my students a mantra on the first day of my postpro class at Berklee: "Everybody say after me, 'Never give the clients what they ask for'." They'd repeat, and then while they were laughing I'd interrupt: "That's only the first half. The rest is 'Always give the clients what they want!'" If a client knew how to tune a parametric or cut a song so it sounds like it was written that way, they'd do it themselves. But they do know that something about the timbre isn't working, and the song doesn't land in the right place. So you have to listen past what they're asking for, and figure out what they're really trying to accomplish. Then do it, and they'll walk away believing you're the only soundie who appreciates their genius. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryF Posted December 27, 2018 Report Share Posted December 27, 2018 Absolutely perfect Jay. I may have that done in needlepoint to hang on the wall. Best Regards, Larry Fisher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Immoral Mr Teas Posted December 28, 2018 Report Share Posted December 28, 2018 Jay, you didn't have to explain it (to us) - perfect. I second Larry! Mike, I watched Merry Christmas last night, certainly for me one of the very best Christmas films going, and a tough watch. You made a classic and one which made me want to be in this industry when I saw it as a kid. Bless all, Jez Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikewest Posted December 28, 2018 Report Share Posted December 28, 2018 Wow thanks Jez. Gee 1982, 3 radios and 1 boom. We had no rushes viewings at all in Rarotonga but Oshima San organised a viewing when we returned to NZ ( a married optical print). He commented to me after the screening "sound very clear, very strong!". Cheers mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johngooch Posted December 28, 2018 Report Share Posted December 28, 2018 What a picture Mike! Thanks for posting. Happy New Year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Blankenship Posted December 29, 2018 Report Share Posted December 29, 2018 Excellent, Jay -- so right on! Larry -- I'll be watching for the needlepoint listing in the Lectro Accessories Catalog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drpro Posted January 13, 2019 Report Share Posted January 13, 2019 Christmas present says it all. Carry with you while you are talking to producer, director, talent, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rifthead Posted January 23, 2019 Report Share Posted January 23, 2019 I'm with you Ty. I think it's important to communicate clearly (which doesn't necessarily mean explaining the WHOLE problem to the producer...I used to get a lot of blank stares before I figured that one out) when you think there's an issue. Give them the pros and cons...ie if you have background music, that faint air conditioner hum might not be an issue after all. It can be a frustrating dance, because a lot of time when I bring sound issues up, I feel like producers ask my opinion on things I don't have control over. My favorite from this week was when I asked if they wanted me to roll sound while the camera gathered B-Roll, and they replied, "If you think we need it." Not really my call, that's an editing decision. But hey, you can always choose to NOT use something you have...can't really choose to use something you didn't get in the first place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronFilm Posted January 30, 2019 Report Share Posted January 30, 2019 On 1/24/2019 at 5:58 AM, Rifthead said: It can be a frustrating dance, because a lot of time when I bring sound issues up, I feel like producers ask my opinion on things I don't have control over. My favorite from this week was when I asked if they wanted me to roll sound while the camera gathered B-Roll, and they replied, "If you think we need it." Not really my call, that's an editing decision. I hate when that happens, I can't read someone else's mind! Neither can I see into the future. Just have to give my best gut guess instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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